AudreLorde

Summary

This lecture delves into the social implications of economic relations, using Marx's analysis of industrialization in Britain as a backdrop. It discusses how the depersonalizing relationship between factory owners and workers, characterized by social alienation, is mirrored in broader societal interactions. The lecture then transitions to Audre Lorde's essay, exploring the concept of surplus labor and its societal reproduction, particularly in terms of social hierarchy and the 'mythical norm.' Lorde's critique of a profit-driven economy's demand for outsiders and its impact on social unity is highlighted, urging a reevaluation of how we address and value human differences.

Takeaways

• 📚 The script discusses the connection between economic relations and social alienation, particularly focusing on Marx's analysis of early factory work during the industrialization in Britain.
• 🧩 It emphasizes that all human relations are social, and there is no such thing as a purely business relationship, as humans are inherently social beings.
• 🏭 The script explains the shift from feudalism to industrialization, highlighting the core relationship between the factory owner and the factory worker, which is central to societal organization.
• 🌐 It introduces the concept of 'surplus labor' and 'surplus value', crucial to understanding profit in capitalist economics, where workers produce more value than they are paid.
• 📈 The lecture ties the idea of surplus labor to societal hierarchies, suggesting that those lower in the social hierarchy perform surplus social labor, such as educating others about their humanity.
• 🌱 The script references Lord's essay, which critiques the profit-driven economy that necessitates the marginalization of certain groups and the devaluation of differences.
• 🔍 It points out the 'mythical norm' in society, which is used as a standard for value and against which differences are measured, often leading to their rejection or exploitation.
• 💡 The discussion suggests that those closer to the mythical norm often do not recognize the surplus social labor they impose on others and may inadvertently contribute to societal fragmentation.
• 🌟 Lord's essay is highlighted for its relevance, even decades after it was written, indicating that the issues it addresses persist in contemporary society.
• 🤔 The script prompts reflection on how we can productively deal with differences in society and whether the current socioeconomic structure is conducive to unity and respect for diversity.

Q & A

What is the central theme of the discussion in the provided transcript?

The central theme of the discussion is the analysis of social and economic relations, particularly focusing on the concept of surplus labor and surplus value in capitalist economies, and how these economic relationships are reproduced in society, leading to social alienation and stratification.

What is the concept of 'social alienation' as discussed in the transcript?

Social alienation refers to the depersonalizing relationships in society where individuals treat each other as means to an end, rather than as ends in themselves. This concept is derived from Marx's analysis of early factory work during industrialization in Britain, where the relationship between factory owners and workers is seen as an example of such dehumanizing dynamics.

What does the term 'surplus labor' signify in the context of the transcript?

Surplus labor is the labor that exceeds the equivalency between wage and value produced. It occurs when the amount of value a worker produces is greater than their wage, meaning they work extra hours without additional compensation, which generates profit for the employer.

How is 'surplus value' different from 'surplus labor'?

Surplus value is the value that exceeds the wages paid to the worker, which is the result of surplus labor. While surplus labor refers to the extra work done by the worker beyond what they are paid for, surplus value is the economic gain that the employer receives from this extra labor.

What is the 'mythical norm' mentioned in the transcript, and how does it relate to social hierarchy?

The 'mythical norm' is a societal standard or ideal that represents the most valued and privileged identity, often characterized by being a white, straight, able-bodied male with a good job. This norm is used to stratify society, with those who deviate from it being marginalized and subjected to surplus social labor.

What is 'surplus social labor' as discussed in the context of the transcript?

Surplus social labor refers to the additional, often unpaid, work that individuals from marginalized groups must perform to educate and explain their experiences and perspectives to those who are closer to the mythical norm. This labor is necessary to challenge and change societal norms and expectations.

How does the transcript connect the economic concept of surplus labor to broader societal issues?

The transcript connects surplus labor to societal issues by illustrating how the economic exploitation of workers in the form of surplus labor is mirrored in social relationships, where marginalized groups are expected to perform surplus social labor to educate and validate their existence to the dominant societal norms.

What is the significance of the example of a women's journal discussed in the transcript?

The example of a women's journal is significant because it demonstrates how the editors, by limiting submissions to prose, inadvertently exclude women from marginalized groups who may not have the resources or time to produce lengthy prose pieces. This exclusion is an example of surplus social labor, where those excluded must educate the editors on the implications of their decisions.

What are the three ways society deals with human differences as outlined in the transcript?

The transcript outlines three ways society deals with human differences: ignoring the difference, copying it if it is perceived as dominant, or destroying it if it is seen as subordinate. These methods reflect the institutionalized rejection of difference in a profit-driven economy.

What is the connection between the concepts discussed in the transcript and the future of the earth as mentioned?

The connection between the concepts discussed and the future of the earth is that the way societies handle economic relations and social differences has profound implications for social cohesion, equality, and sustainability. Addressing these issues is crucial for the long-term health and survival of the planet.

Does the transcript suggest solutions to the problems it identifies?

The transcript does not explicitly suggest solutions but rather highlights the problems and encourages reflection on how societies can deal with differences more productively. It prompts readers to consider the implications of current social and economic structures and to think critically about potential paths forward.